CHP investigates locally acquired SARS-CoV-2 virus cases with 2 918 cases tested positive by nucleic acid tests and 7 112 cases by RATs as well as 164 imported cases
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     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (September 7) announced the latest epidemic situation of COVID-19. As of 0.00am, September 7, the CHP was investigating 10 030 additional locally acquired cases that tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, comprising 2 918 cases that tested positive by nucleic acid tests (1 280 confirmed cases, 1 346 asymptomatic cases and 292 cases with pending status) and 7 112 cases that tested positive by rapid antigen tests (RATs) in the past 24 hours.

     Separately, 164 additional imported cases were reported, including 144 cases that tested positive by nucleic acid tests (six confirmed cases, 88 asymptomatic cases and 50 cases with pending status) and 20 cases that tested positive by RATs.

     Hong Kong has recorded a total of 908 530 and 703 457 cases that have tested positive by nucleic acid tests and RATs respectively for the SARS-CoV-2 virus so far.

     The CHP is continuing with epidemiological investigations of the cases. Please refer to the "COVID-19 Thematic Website" (www.coronavirus.gov.hk) for more information.
 
     Among the specimens received by the DH's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch during August 29 to September 4 for verification testing of local cases, about 5.9 per cent and 64.1 per cent of them (seven-day moving average) are related to the sub-lineages BA.2.12.1 and BA.4/BA.5 (including suspected cases) of the Omicron mutant strain respectively.

     In addition, as of 0.00am, September 7, a total of 9 544 death cases that had tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus during the fifth wave (since December 31, 2021) were recorded, with 9 462 and 79 deaths reported from the Hospital Authority and public mortuaries respectively as well as three deaths reported from the Chinese University of Hong Kong Medical Centre. Hong Kong has so far recorded a total of 9 757 death cases that tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

     Furthermore, among the earlier cases by nucleic acid tests reported, there were cases (including pending cases) changed to confirmed, asymptomatic or re-positive cases. As at yesterday (September 6), the total number of confirmed cases was 394 061, while the figures for asymptomatic cases, re-positive cases and pending/unknown cases recorded since January 1 were 271 723, 31 and 239 653 respectively.

     The spokesman for the CHP stressed that the local situation of COVID-19 infection is severe, with the number of cases tested positive growing at an increased pace. The CHP strongly appeals to the community to strictly comply with social distancing measures and refrain from participating in unnecessary or crowded activities or mass gatherings. This would lower the risk of infection and prevent the virus from spreading in the community.

     β€‹β€‹β€‹β€‹The spokesman said that COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective in preventing severe cases and deaths from the SARS-CoV-2 virus. They can provide effective protection to those vaccinated in preventing serious complications and even death after infection. People who have yet to receive vaccination, especially senior citizens, chronic patients, children, and other immunocompromised persons who face a higher chance of death after COVID-19 infection, should get vaccinated as early as possible for self-protection and to reduce the risk of falling seriously ill and death should they get infected.
 
     The spokesman reminded members of the public that they can call the following hotlines to make enquiries on COVID-19:

- The Office of the Government Chief Information Officer's hotline on "LeaveHomeSafe" (2626 3066): answers enquiries related to "LeaveHomeSafe" and conversion of Red and Amber Codes;
- The Home Affairs Department's hotline on "StayHomeSafe" Scheme (1833 019): provides support and assistance to persons undergoing home quarantine under the scheme;
- The Hospital Authority's hotline (1836 115): answers enquiries on medical information and provides infection control advice for people who tested positive;
- The DH's hotline for the online platform "Declaration System for individuals tested positive for COVID-19 using Rapid Antigen Test" (1836 119): follows up technical issues on reporting a positive result through an RAT; and
- The CHP's hotline (1830 111): answers enquiries on other issues related to the epidemic.

Ends/Wednesday, September 7, 2022
Issued at HKT 18:40

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